JhoCey Imagines

Where Waves Meet Airwaves (Sports AU) #5

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Chapter 5: Cookies and Stories
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The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the Sevilleja kitchen as Stacey sat down at the breakfast table, her dad already absorbed in his iPad, looking at the latest news for today, her mom preparing breakfast. Silence hung in the air until her dad finally spoke.

"Training hard for the meet, Stace?" Mr. Sevilleja said, his eyes not leaving the electronic device. "I expect nothing less than the top spot."

Stacey took a steady breath, nodding. "Yes, Dad. Focused po."

Her mom set a plate of eggs in front of her with a reassuring smile. "Remember to enjoy it, sweetheart. You love swimming-don't lose sight of that."

Mr. Sevilleja folded his paper, glancing at Stacey's mom with a slight frown. "Enjoyment has its place, pero success requires discipline. Stacey knows that. Years of training, Stace. Now's the time to show what you're capable of."

"Yes, Dad," Stacey replied, hiding the slight heaviness in her chest. While she loved swimming, her dad's high expectations sometimes made her feel like she was doing it more for him than for herself.

After breakfast, Stacey grabbed her bag and was about to head out the door when her mom pulled her into a warm hug.

"One step at a time, okay?" her mom whispered. "You're doing great, Aubrey ko."

Stacey smiled, feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, Mom."

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Outside, Stacey walked to her car-a sleek, frozen pure grey BMW M2 she lovingly called Storm. Checking her phone, she saw a notification from a certain broadcaster.

Broadcast cutie: Good luck with training and well with school! Dito lang ako to cheer for you :)"

The message made her smile. Jhoanna had always been there in the bleachers, quietly cheering her on. Stacey hadn't realized how much she missed it until now.

But before she could reply, another message popped up from Mikha:

Mik-mik: Stace! SOS! Can you pick me up? My car's not avail. long story. Don't make me walk under the sun. Ang inet.

Stacey chuckled, typing back quickly.

Stakuri: Sure, but you owe me a good story. See you in 10.

Sliding into the driver's seat, Stacey revved Storm's engine, feeling the powerful growl vibrate through her as she pulled out of the driveway. She let her friends ride in Storm, but the passenger seat? Strictly off-limits.

When she rolled up to the pick-up spot, Mikha was already there, dramatically fanning herself.

"Finally! My hero!" Mikha exclaimed, clutching her chest dramatically.

As she reached for the door and move to sit at the passenger seat, Stacey raised an eyebrow. "Uy, backseat, Mikha. Off-limits ang passenger seat."

Mikha rolled her eyes, heading to the back. "Oo na, oo na. Alam ko naman na 'backseat only' ang rules ni Storm," she muttered, laughing as she climbed in.

"Pero balang araw, baka maging worthy din ako ng passenger seat... or baka naman 'yung isang journalist lang ang makaka-break ng rule?"

Stacey tried to play it cool, her tone deliberately vague. "Maybe," she replied, shrugging and glancing at Mikha in the rearview mirror.

Mikha grinned, giving her a nudge from the backseat. "Grabe, sinong mag-aakala na may exception pala sa sacred passenger seat ni Storm?"

Stacey just laughed, though she couldn't hide the slight blush creeping into her cheeks. "Shut it, Mikhs. Sige na, spill. Bakit nga ba grounded ang car mo?"